Pensioner given 26 weeks in prison and grandson fined over gas work

Following a trial in June 2015 Graham Atkinson, aged 70, has been sentenced to a total of 26 weeks in jail and ordered to pay £3,000 towards HSE prosecution costs after Michael Atkinson installed a new boiler at a house in Doncaster in October 2012 under the direction Graham Atkinson.

The registration of Graham Atkinson with Gas Safe had expired and that of Michael was only applicable to work he carried out for his employer.

Doncaster magistrates heard that the work was dangerous with a flue was fitted incorrectly whilst HSE discovered that Graham Atkinson had carried out dangerous work on two flats in the town.

Owners and tenants of three properties put at risk

Graham Atkinson, of Bentley, was jailed for a total of 26 weeks and Michael Atkinson, aged 29, of Bessacarr admitted two offences under Gas Safety (Installation & Use) Regulations and was fined a total of £5,000.

HSE inspector Mark Welsh, who investigated this case, said:

“Graham Atkinson should not have been carrying out or overseeing any gas work and should have been well aware of this fact. He displayed a deliberate and reckless disregard for the law, putting owners and tenants of three properties at risk.

He deceived those involved into thinking that work was being carried out by a competent Gas Safe registered engineer and he carried out defective work that could have resulted in someone being seriously injured or even killed.

Michael Atkinson should not have been carrying out gas work in his own name and should have been well aware of this fact.

This case should be a reminder that HSE will take action when the law is flouted.”